Can I take Morphine and Paracetamol together?

It is generally considered safe to take morfina e paracetamolo together.

Paracetamol and morphine have different 'mechanisms of action' (the way they work in the body). Paracetamol works mainly in the central nervous system to reduce pain signals, while morphine attaches to specific 'opioid receptors' to block pain.

Because they don't interfere with each other's absorption or breakdown in the liver, they can be used safely at the same time.

How to take morphine and paracetamol safely

• Always ensure you do not exceed the maximum dose of paracetamol (usually 4000mg or 8x500mg tablets in 24 hours).

• Always follow the specific instructions for your morphine dosage.

• If you are taking a 'co-compound' medicine (such as Co-codamol), check if it already contains paracetamol before taking extra.

Asthma or breathing problems

Morphine can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties; do not take it if you have severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Liver disease or high alcohol intake

Taking more than the recommended dose, or taking it while drinking heavily, can cause fatal liver failure. Never take more than one product containing paracetamol at a time.

Opioid use with alcohol or sedatives

Mixing morphine with alcohol or benzodiazepines (sleeping pills) is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal respiratory arrest or coma.

Alcol

You must not drink alcohol while taking morphine. Alcohol can dangerously increase the sedative effects of morphine, leading to extreme sleepiness, breathing difficulties, and a potentially fatal overdose.

Some long-acting morphine capsules can also release the entire dose at once into your system if taken with alcohol (known as 'dose dumping').

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Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.